Ask questions when it concerns a child’s education

I would like to compliment Gloria McLane for her letter in the April 28 Times-News. Every parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent (such as I) should thank her for informing us to what is going on in our education system. I had never heard of Common Core, but should have known something was up.

My wife and I keep our great-granddaughter on Wednesday nights to take to dance class. She is in the first grade, and since September we noticed how over the top her home work is. An example is; her math consists of adding and subtracting double-digit figures, her writing assignments consist of writing stories that she makes up, showing: “narrative, informative, opinion.” She is then asked to draw a picture describing the articles. (Six by year end). All of this in the first grade! Have any parents told their six-year-olds the difference between a “narrative,” “informative” and “opinion” by now? I know some kids will ace these assignments, but others will be left behind and they and the parents will be frustrated for years to come.

When i asked her teacher about this, she informed me this is to prepare her for what’s coming in the upper grades. I shudder to see what’s coming. we all should wake up and start asking questions. Thanks again, Ms. McLane.